9 | James 1:1-8 | Study Guide

[Episode updated with correction on Thursday, October 2, 2025]

Opening   

Spend some time thinking about the Book of James. What is your perception of the book? What stands out most at this point? James is very direct and somewhat confrontational. How is that sitting with you right now?  

Questions

1. Read James 1:1-4. Jeff talked about remembering our identity. James identifies himself as a servant of Christ. What comes to mind when you hear the word identity? How can we wrongly identify ourselves or live out of the wrong identity? What does it look like to identify as Christ’s servant?  

2. James says to count it all joy when we face trials. What do you think of that statement? Why does he want us to rejoice in trials? How can we do this? How have you seen your faith grow when you’ve faced trials? Are you rejoicing in the trials you are currently facing?  

3. Read James 1:5–8. Where do you most need wisdom right now? What are the ways we seek wisdom that fall short of what James has in mind? What unwise or rash decisions have you made that ended up costing you?   

4. When we pray for wisdom, we must believe that God will grant our request. Why is asking for wisdom difficult? Why do we doubt? How have you seen doubt hinder prayer in your life? Do you believe God always answers this prayer?